Date
Job number
Job description
Version
Approval status
Deadline
29th January 2013
DEU-008
Seasonal Efficiencies B2B
Final
For approval
11th January 2013
Daikin air conditioning systems ready for new EcoDesign requirements
Daikin’s Sky Air Seasonal Smart and Seasonal Classic light commercial air conditioning
systems are ready for new European seasonal efficiency legislation introduced on 1
January 2013.
The Energy Related Products Directive is the European Union’s latest response to the Kyoto
Protocol. Since 1 January 2013, all air conditioning products with capacities of up to 12kW –
typically those used for light commercial and residential applications – have had to meet
minimum energy efficiency levels assessed throughout the year. As a result new energy labels
have been introduced.
From January, non-compliant products can no longer be imported into Europe or sold by
manufacturers. However those already held in stock by a distributor or wholesaler, or awaiting
installation, are deemed to be “placed on the market” and can still be sold on through the supply
chain.
Daikin’s latest innovations in air conditioning mean its Sky Air Seasonal Smart and Seasonal
Classic ranges already meet the new seasonal efficiency legislation and therefore offer
customers the highest levels of energy efficiency, reduced energy bills and lower carbon
emissions. In fact, the Sky Air ranges also meet the even tighter energy efficiency thresholds
coming into force in 2014.
The new seasonal energy efficiency ratings
The new Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) for cooling, and the Seasonal Coefficient Of
Performance (SCOP) for heating reflect more realistic operating conditions than previous
measures. They consider seasonal variations by accounting for external temperature and
energy efficiency at partial load capacities and take into account the energy consumption of
products in auxiliary modes such as standby or off mode, or when the thermostat is off – again
reflecting better real-life energy-performance.
Understanding the new energy labels
From 1 January 2013, affected products’ energy labels must show the SEER and SCOP values
and energy consumption in both heating and cooling modes. The labels also display the sound
power levels of indoor and outdoor units. Manufacturers are obliged to publish seasonal labels
and other relevant data on a free access website so that products can be compared easily.
Daikin’s latest air conditioning systems – designed for seasonal efficiencies
Daikin’s Sky Air Seasonal Smart and Seasonal Classic ranges, which are designed for light
commercial applications such as shops, restaurants, offices and data rooms, as well as some
homes, were launched last year to meet the new legislation.
Their inverter-controlled heat exchangers and compressors have lower energy consumption as
they need only the minimum power necessary to match the load. As a result, the units run most
efficiently at the partial loads typically required in real life conditions.
The Sky Air ranges feature a number of innovations. Refrigerant tubes in the heat exchanger
have smaller diameters than in previous units, allowing more tubes to be used, increasing the
available surface area for heat exchange. The new units also use swing compressors (as
opposed to the scroll compressors used in previous ranges), that offer better efficiency at partial
load conditions. Finally, the shape of the fan has been improved to deliver optimal air flow
distribution, with quiet operation.
The Sky Air Seasonal Smart range also features Daikin’s variable refrigerant temperature
technology, which improves the comfort of occupants and improves efficiency, because the
system continually adjusts the refrigerant temperature (and hence the discharge temperature)
according to the total required capacity and weather conditions.
Using intelligent controls is an excellent way to ensure climate is controlled in the most energyefficient way. Daikin’s new intelligent Touch Manager allows users to set system schedules on a
weekly, monthly and annual basis, taking into account holidays and seasonal variations in
demand throughout the year. It also enables air conditioning to be integrated with other
systems, such as keycard control systems and occupancy sensors. The iTM’s Energy Navigator
provides daily and monthly data and energy consumption projections so that performance can
be monitored against targets and previous years.
By pinpointing equipment that is not performing in the most efficient way, building managers can
adjust how a system operates (for example, switching off air conditioning in unoccupied rooms
or at certain times of the day), resulting in smarter energy management and more energy
efficient climate control.
With a wide choice of stylish, whisper quiet ceiling, wall and floor units, the Sky Air ranges are
flexible enough to suit the needs of any shop, restaurant or office. The equipment is quick and
easy to install, whether in a new build or refurbishment project.
Daikin continues to lead the way in energy efficiency
Although the current legislation only affects smaller and light commercial systems at present,
consultation is already underway about setting new minimum energy efficiency requirements for
systems of over 12kW.
By choosing Sky Air, specifiers, installers and end users can ensure air conditioning equipment
meets the latest legal requirements and offers high levels of energy efficiency, thus and
reducing energy consumption, carbon emissions and energy bills, while delivering optimal
comfort levels.
www.daikin.eu
>Ends
Editor’s notes:
About Daikin Europe N.V.
Daikin Europe N.V. is a major European producer of air conditioners, heat pumps and
refrigeration equipment, with approximately 5,500 employees throughout Europe and 10 major
manufacturing facilities based in Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, the
Netherlands, Turkey and the UK.
Globally, Daikin is renowned for its pioneering approach to product development and the
unrivalled quality and versatility of its integrated solutions. With more than 50 years’ experience
in the design and manufacture of heating and cooling technologies, Daikin is a market leader in
heat pump technology. Daikin VRV and Daikin Altherma are the most sold heat pump systems
in Europe, with over 500,000 systems delivered to date.